Joel Steiger is a renowned television writer, producer, and creator whose work has made a lasting impact on the crime, legal, and mystery drama genres. With a career that spans several decades, Steiger is best known for his work on iconic television series such as Matlock, Diagnosis: Murder, and Perry Mason, each of which has become a staple of American television. His storytelling prowess, ability to develop compelling characters, and mastery of procedural drama formats have cemented his legacy in the television industry.
Born on March 11, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Joel Steiger’s journey into television began with a passion for storytelling and a keen interest in the art of mystery and crime-solving. His career not only contributed to some of the most beloved legal dramas of the 1980s and 1990s but also helped shape the way these genres are presented on television today. Steiger’s collaborations with key figures such as Dean Hargrove and Fred Silverman further solidified his position as one of the most influential television producers of his time.
Early Career and Entry into Television
Joel Steiger’s love for storytelling can be traced back to his early years, where he was drawn to writing and the intricacies of narrative construction. This passion for storytelling naturally led him to pursue a career in television, where he could bring his creative ideas to life. Like many successful television creators, Steiger’s early career saw him working in various roles across the industry, gaining experience in writing, production, and development.
Steiger’s first major breakthrough came when he began working on the television show Perry Mason in the 1980s. The original Perry Mason series, which aired from 1957 to 1966, was a pioneering legal drama that followed the brilliant defense attorney as he solved seemingly impossible cases and outwitted his courtroom adversaries. Steiger worked on the television movies that brought the beloved character back to life, writing and producing a series of made-for-TV Perry Mason films from 1985 to 1995. These films, starring Raymond Burr as Mason, were hugely popular, rekindling public interest in the classic character and introducing him to a new generation of viewers.
Steiger’s work on the Perry Mason TV movies showcased his knack for crafting engaging courtroom drama and intricate legal cases. The success of these films set the stage for Steiger’s future work in the legal and crime drama genres, where he would go on to create and produce some of television’s most beloved shows.
Matlock: A Defining Moment in Steiger’s Career
While Steiger’s work on Perry Mason was a critical stepping stone, it was his role as the co-creator and producer of Matlock that truly defined his career. Matlock debuted in 1986 and quickly became one of the most popular legal dramas on television. Starring Andy Griffith as the folksy but brilliant defense attorney Ben Matlock, the show ran for nine seasons and established itself as a cornerstone of prime-time television.
Steiger’s writing and production work on Matlock was instrumental in the show’s success. He had an incredible ability to develop complex, tightly-woven legal cases that captivated audiences. Each episode of Matlock featured a new case, with Ben Matlock using his legal expertise, charm, and cunning to defend his clients and reveal the true culprit. The show’s formula, which balanced courtroom drama with Matlock’s personal warmth and humor, was a hallmark of Steiger’s style.
Steiger’s collaboration with Dean Hargrove, another influential figure in television crime dramas, helped make Matlock a long-running hit. The show appealed to viewers of all ages, with Andy Griffith’s portrayal of Matlock becoming one of the most beloved television characters of the era. Steiger’s knack for creating episodic mysteries that offered both intrigue and entertainment kept audiences coming back week after week, and the series remains popular in syndication today.
Diagnosis: Murder and Expanding the Mystery Drama Format
Following the success of Matlock, Joel Steiger continued to explore the legal and crime drama genres, but this time with a twist. In 1993, he co-created Diagnosis: Murder, a unique blend of medical drama and mystery. The show starred Dick Van Dyke as Dr. Mark Sloan, a doctor with a penchant for solving crimes, often working alongside his detective son, Steve Sloan, played by Barry Van Dyke. The series combined Steiger’s love for crime-solving with a fresh perspective, as Dr. Sloan used his medical knowledge and investigative skills to solve complex cases that stumped the police.
Diagnosis: Murder ran for eight seasons, becoming another success for Steiger and a staple of 1990s television. The show’s lighthearted tone, combined with its engaging mysteries and strong performances from its cast, made it a favorite among viewers. Steiger’s ability to take the procedural crime drama format and merge it with other genres, such as medical drama, was a testament to his creativity and versatility as a television writer and producer.
Steiger’s work on Diagnosis: Murder also highlighted his skill in crafting long-running storylines that developed both the characters and the overarching mysteries. His ability to blend episodic storytelling with deeper character arcs ensured that the show remained fresh and engaging throughout its run.
Other Notable Projects and Contributions
In addition to his work on Matlock and Diagnosis: Murder, Joel Steiger contributed to several other successful television shows during his career. He was involved in the production of Jake and the Fatman, a crime drama that ran from 1987 to 1992 and followed the partnership between a district attorney, played by William Conrad, and his private investigator, played by Joe Penny. The show continued Steiger’s tradition of producing engaging crime dramas with memorable characters and intricate plotlines.
Steiger also worked on the long-running anthology series Murder, She Wrote, which starred Angela Lansbury as amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher. His work on Murder, She Wrote further solidified his reputation as a master of the mystery drama genre. His contributions to these shows, as well as his involvement in numerous other television projects, showcased his ability to adapt to different formats and genres while maintaining his distinctive storytelling style.
Steiger’s Influence on Television
Joel Steiger’s influence on television, particularly in the legal and crime drama genres, is undeniable. His work on shows like Matlock and Diagnosis: Murder helped shape the procedural drama format, offering viewers engaging stories that combined mystery, legal intrigue, and relatable characters. Steiger’s ability to create shows that appealed to a broad audience, while maintaining high-quality writing and production values, made him one of the most respected figures in television.
Steiger’s legacy is also evident in the way his shows continue to resonate with audiences today. Many of the series he worked on remain popular in syndication, and his contributions to the television landscape have inspired countless writers and producers who have followed in his footsteps. His shows exemplify the power of well-crafted storytelling, where character development and plot twists come together to create memorable television experiences.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Joel Steiger’s career in television spanned several decades, and his work left an indelible mark on the crime and legal drama genres. From his early work on the Perry Mason TV movies to his role in creating beloved shows like Matlock and Diagnosis: Murder, Steiger’s contributions helped define an entire era of television. His knack for creating compelling mysteries, relatable characters, and engaging legal battles made him a master of his craft.
Steiger’s shows continue to be celebrated for their timeless appeal, and his influence on television writers and producers is still felt today. His ability to create long-running series that captured the imagination of viewers and kept them coming back week after week is a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of television.